The Bosnia and Herzegovina Air Navigation Services Agency (BHANSA) today marks the fifth anniversary of taking control of the airspace of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a moment that marked the beginning of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s independence in managing one of the most important state resources.
BHANSA Director Davorin Primorac extended sincere congratulations to all employees, whose dedicated work and expertise are the foundation of all our successes.
“I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the Council of Ministers of BiH, the founder of BHANSA, for their continued support and strategic guidance. Their decisions, understanding of our needs and willingness to cooperate were crucial for positioning BHANSA as a relevant partner at the regional and European levels. Such cooperation best demonstrates how coordinated action of state institutions and expert agencies can bring concrete results, which serve as a source of pride for the entire country,” said Primorac.
BHANSA would also like to express its gratitude to the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation – EUROCONTROL, as well as to neighboring countries for their support and exceptional cooperation, which is also regulated by bilateral agreements. Although the youngest agency in Europe, BHANSA, thanks to its expertise and achievements, supported its colleagues from Denmark in the challenging project of taking control of the airspace of Greenland, upon the recommendation of EUROCONTROL.
They state that in the past five years, BiH has also joined the SECSI FRA – Free Route Planning Initiative, which increases cost efficiency and reduces environmental impact by planning flights according to optimal flight paths.
Also, with 139 air traffic controllers, BHANSA continuously achieves exceptional results in terms of air traffic safety, which is confirmed by high ratings from relevant international organizations. An adequate response was provided to the increased number of flights due to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and in July this year, two significant records were achieved – the highest monthly number of flights in BiH airspace, with an impressive 63,452 flights, and a record 2,242 flights in one day.
By launching a training program for air traffic controllers within Bosnia and Herzegovina, BHANSA has proactively responded to the global demand for this profession and reduced the risk of a shortage of skilled personnel. Currently, 25 candidates are being trained, who will be ready for employment by the end of 2025. Modern air traffic control and management systems are being continuously introduced, including new-generation radar and communication systems.
Through the export of air traffic control services, BHANSA has significantly contributed to the economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina, generating revenue of approximately 263 million KM in the past five years. It is noted that revenues could have been higher if it had not been for the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the largest decline in air traffic in history during 2020 and 2021.
In addition to reflecting on achievements, marking the anniversary is also an opportunity to set goals that will shape the future of this sector. A new legal framework has been developed at BHANSA, which provides a response to contemporary challenges and a foundation for strong support for the growth and modernization of the sector.
“The plan is to expand our services to include drone operations and commercial air traffic controller training, as well as support for the development of airports in Bihać and Trebinje – Primorac concluded,” BHANSA announced.
